technically an oceanic island, yet in class of its own, marambaia is a beautiful, complex, and fascinating 42 km long sandbank - an island home to many gorgeous beaches colectively composing the praia da marambaia (marambaia beach), surrounded by very well-preserved mata atlântica(atlantic forest).

this is the longest uninterrupted stretch of white sand along the shores of municipal rio de janeiro. while not far from the center of the city, the restinga da marambaia,  the sandbank off the coast that separates the sepetiba bayand the atlantic ocean,  is a complete breakaway from the urban life.

connected by a bridge to the neighborhood of barra de guaratiba, marambaia island is about two hours from the zona sul (south zone) and a short boat ride away to experience a side of the city not many visitors venture out to see, mainly because access requires careful planning in advance.